I don't understand my MRI. Will someone explain it?

[rena72]

MRI-3 (DT);
201208011220
042781JEFF B HEMMERLEIN M.D.
042781JEFF B HEMMERLEIN M.D.

BRAIN MRI WITH AND WITHOUT GADOLINIUM ENHANCEMENT

COMPARISON- Brain MRI of 6/29/09

FINDINGS-

Since the prior study of 2009, there has been a severe interval
progression in patient's burden of disease, now with severe generalized
white matter plaques of MS being present throughout the white matter,
now with severe involvement of the corpus callosum, and with numerous
lesions being present throughout the dorsal brainstem, including lesions
at the level of the abducens nucleus along the facial colliculus of the
fourth ventricle.

There is also partial visualization of new MS plaque lesions along the
left ventral aspect of the medulla.

Several new enhancing plaques are present, involving the periventricular
white matter, anterior corpus callosum, medial left temporal lobe, and
throughout plaques along the right abducens nucleus.

At the pontomedullary junction, the abducens nerves are not clearly
visualized, though this area does not show detectable abnormal cranial
nerve enhancement. Negative cisternal 5th cranial nerves. Negative
7th/8th cranial nerve complexes.

There is stable size of the lateral ventricles. The major intracranial
vessel show normal flow-voids.

The visualized paranasal sinuses are clear.



IMPRESSION-

1. Severe interval progression and MS involvement throughout the brain,
now with diffuse confluent plaques being present, many of which show new
enhancement of active disease , including the anterior corpus callosum.

There is also new large enhancing plaque involvement of midline of the
brainstem eccentric to the right side at the level of the abducens
nucleus, which would account for patient's symptomatology from a central
source.


Transcriptionist- JEFF B HEMMERLEIN , M.D., RADIOLOGIST
Read By- JEFF B HEMMERLEIN , M.D., RADIOLOGIST
Released By- JEFF B HEMMERLEIN , M.D., RADIOLOGIST
Released Date Time- 08/01/12 1344
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042781HEMMERLEINJEFFB

[twopack]

Members of this forum are mostly patients who gather to share our experiences of MS.  We aren't experts but quite a few of us have shared our MRI reports.  

That said, I agree with Jane that this report reflects a recent MRI was done and clearly shows an increased burden of MS lesions including several areas that indicate recent demyelination.  It sounds like the radiologist was informed of some symptoms that could be a result of the damage he sees on the MRI.

I suspect you already know this report isn't what most of us want to hear.  I'm sorry your MS is progressing at a visible rate on MRI.  We know here that lesions don't always match symptoms so I'm hoping the symptom load is lagging far behind lesion load.  

If you would like to share more or ask a specific question we would be happy to help as we can.

[JaneK1975]

I'm no radiologist, but the report appears to be written in fairly understandable terms from a layman's point of view. I am reading that the MRI shows progression of MS when compared to an earlier MRI (taken in 2009). If you're not on a DMD, you probably should be. If you are, your neuro is probably going to want to talk to you about whether to switch to a new one.

Can you share some of your background? I assume you are diagnosed? Is this your first MRI since 2009, and if so: Why so long between imaging sessions? I'm sorry the report is not better news. How are you taking it? Welcome to our forum.

Best wishes,
Jane